Calgary Energy Efficient Windows and Glass Options

If you haven’t replaced your Calgary windows in the last couple of decades, it is very likely that you feel drafts and coolness around your windows on colder days. There are many developments in recent years that have greatly improved the insulating qualities of windows. Modern, energy efficient windows can do a lot make your home temperatures more consistent and comfortable, while lowering energy costs. Here are some of the key factors that make new windows much more energy efficient.

New windows are an investment in your home that will increase its resale value and make it much more comfortable on both cold and hot days. While energy efficiency is a key consideration, investing in higher quality windows will make your home much more comfortable throughout the year and reduce outside noise. It’s great to save some money on heating and cooling costs, but getting rid of cold spots and drafts has a major impact on how your home feels on those cold Calgary winter days.

Gas Insullated Windows

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

Window Glazing or Number of Glass Panes

Originally, windows only had one pane of glass. In Calgary, unless you have a very old historical home, it’s unlikely you’ll have any single-pane windows anymore because they are very poor insulators. Double-glazed or windows with two panes of glass are the most common. Now triple-glazed windows are becoming much more popular. More panes of glass increase the insulation quality of windows because of the space between the glass. It’s a lot like wearing multiple layers of clothing on a cold winter day. Another benefit of triple-glazed windows is that they are also better sound insulators. Outside noise will be suppressed much more effectively with better quality windows.

Insulating Gases

The insulating qualities, and therefore, energy of windows can be substantially improved by removing the air between window panes and filling the space with an insulating gas.

Argon is most common insulating gas because it conducts 60 to 70% less heat than that of air, is non-toxic and inexpensive. Krypton gas is found in higher quality windows because it is a better insulator but it is also more expensive.

Window Coatings

There have been large improvements in window technology over the years. One of the most impactful has been the coatings applied to windows to improve their energy efficiency. Low-E coatings, or low emissivity, is a thin coating of metallic particles that reflects heat back and reduces UV radiation. In summer months, it’ll reflect heat outside and the opposite in winter. The coating is invisible to the naked eye and won’t affect the amount of visible light entering your home.

One important thing to note is that not all window coatings are equal. Higher quality coatings reduce heat transfer more effectively. It is important to compare all performance coefficients for the windows you are considering. The Westeck Window's Low-E - i89 coating is one of the best performing in the industry.

Window Frames

While most of the surface area of your window is glass and the number of panes, insulating gas and coating have a major influence on efficiency, the frame can also transfer heat. It is important to choose a well insulated window frame to minimize heat transfer.

Correct Window Installation

We can’t stress enough the importance of quality window installation. The best quality windows can have much of their energy efficiency negated with low quality installation. You want to avoid retrofitting new windows inside old frames if possible. This will reduce the window glass size and doesn’t address insulation issues of the old window frame that was probably installed decades earlier. Drafts or water leakages around the original frame can’t be eliminated unless the entire old frame is replaced.

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Grille Patters

Calgary Replacement Window & Door Reviews

After a competitive evaluation of three potential suppliers we chose Calgary Window Renovations to replace 11 windows in our home. We were very impressed with Rick's knowledge and experience as well as the excellent reviews of his company. Kyle and his crew of installers did a first class professional and timely job taking care to minimize any disruptions.

Calgary, AB

Great service, great price, professional and knowledgeable installers. Installers worked on an extremely cold January day and took the time to explain how windows work and asked if we had any questions before they left for the day. Will recommend to others and use them again without hesitation for our future window needs.

Calgary, AB

We have been completely satisfied in dealing with Calgary Window Renovations to replace our windows and have had previous windows replaced with them as well. Always efficient and dependable! We love our new windows!!

Calgary, AB

Service and Quality are what Calgary Window Renovations Windows and Doors provided for the installation of 10 windows on our main floor. Now the cold weather has arrived I cannot believe what a difference these new windows make. I found this companies name on Home Stars and they truly deserve the high star rating they presently have.

Calgary, AB

I couldn't be happier with Calgary Window Renovations from start to finish. I had three estimates and Calgary Window Renovations was very competitive. What impressed me the most and made me choose Calgary Window Renovations was the professionalism and customer service from the first time I called to request an estimate. I'm so glad I chose Calgary Window Renovations because of their professionalism and quality of work.

Calgary, AB

We replaced 5 old windows in our century home with white vinyl casements. Rick was very patient with us as we shopped around and tried to make a decision and always responded to emails quickly. He was also able to speed up the installation with an earlier than planned date and Jeremy and his great team of quiet and tidy installers completed the job in a single day.

Calgary, AB

We were very pleased with Calgary Window Renovations Windows & Door Ltd. right from the start to finish. We can honestly say that our experience with Calgary Window Renovations was the most amazing and satisfying contract work we have ever had done. We would recommend Calgary Window Renovations to anyone who is contemplating replacing windows in their home.

Calgary, AB

Very pleased with the entire process! As indicated in previous reviews, Rick is extremely professional and knowledgeable. He works with you to find the best window options that will meet your needs without any sales pressure - incredible that the company owner has such a "hands-on" approach with customers.